Self-help center

Workshops

A number of workshops are provided by the Family Law Facilitator at the Self-Help Center. For dates/times of workshops, see the Family Law Facilitator Schedule.

Beginning a Dissolution/Legal Separation

The Facilitator/Self-Help Attorney provides all forms necessary to start a dissolution of marriage or a legal separation action in the State of California. Participants are given line-by-line instructions and the forms are completed in the workshop. The Facilitator/Self-Help Attorney explains how to file and serve the paperwork and at the conclusion of the workshop, she reviews the completed forms.

Request for Order (RFO)

The Facilitator/Self-Help Attorney provides all forms necessary to file the Request for Order (RFO). The RFO is a method used to obtain a court date. It can cover any pending issue in a family law case, i.e., child custody, visitation and support, spousal support, and distribution of property. Participants are given line-by-line instructions and complete the forms in the workshop. At the conclusion of the workshop, the Facilitator/Self-Help Attorney reviews the completed forms and explains to the class participants how to file and serve the documents.

Default Judgment

The Facilitator/Self-Help Attorney provides all forms necessary to request default in a dissolution of marriage or legal separation case. “Default” is the method used to obtain a judgment of dissolution or legal separation when the other party has not filed a response. Participants are given line-by-line instructions and complete the forms in the workshop. At the conclusion of the workshop, the Facilitator/Self-Help Attorney reviews the completed forms and explains to the class participants how to file and serve the documents.

Self-Help Computers

The Self-Help Center also features a computer lab which provides public access to online self-help resources, including some that provide step-by-step assistance in filling out various legal forms. When completed, the forms can be printed for filing with the Court.